Daniel Jed Lonsberry

Daniel Jed Lonsberry, 73, passed away on July 3, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona after a difficult battle with Congestive Heart Failure and Parkinson’s Disease. He will always be remembered for his ability to cheer up a sick friend, family member, or even a stranger with his hand written cards and letters.

Born on October 31, 1951, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Daniel was the second child born to Clarence S. Lonsberry and Jayne (Bens) Lonsberry. He and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1952. At a young age he asked Jesus into his heart and was baptized at the age of 13. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and one sister, Beth J. Lonsberry. He is survived by one brother, Timothy L. Lonsberry, of Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1974 Daniel met the love of his life, Barbara J. Harder, and after a long-distance courtship they were married in her hometown of Big Bear Lake, California on March 26, 1977. They raised two daughters, Kristin J. (Lonsberry) Forsythe and Karissa J. (Lonsberry) Boos, and then their daughters added two sons-in-law, Kevin M. Forsythe and Christopher A. Boos, to the family. The lights of Daniel’s life were his grandchildren, Benjamin M. Forsythe and Isabella R. Boos. The entire family lives in and around the Phoenix area.

Daniel attended elementary and high school in Phoenix. He continued his education at Glendale Community College, Arizona College of the Bible, and Arizona State University where he studied music and elementary education. In 1974 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. During college he sang with the Phoenix Oratorio Singers using his God-given singing talent. He also led youth and adult choirs in several churches in the Phoenix area. Before college and at different times during his life, he worked in the field of printing. However, he spent the majority of his career in teaching, specifically teaching public school and homeschooled students about the wonderful world of reading and writing. He also wrote and published a children’s book, "Mr. TALL Cactus and His Shorter, Prickly Neighbors." Besides his love for teaching and children, he had a heart for the elderly and spent many a happy evening leading “hymn sings” in senior living facilities throughout the Phoenix area.

Daniel is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and is no longer suffering! We will miss Daniel dearly but know that one day, we will be reunited with him again in Heaven!!